Office Chairs Buying Guide (2026): What to Check Before You Buy

What to look for

• Seat depth adjustment matters most for tall and short people.
• Look for adjustable lumbar support that sits in the small of your back.
• Arms should drop low enough to slide under your desk.
• Warranty length is a strong signal of build quality.
• Check the weight rating and seat height range against your body.

How much to spend

Typical prices run from £139 to £1,749. Budget models cover the basics; spending more usually buys liveBack backrest that flexes with your spine. Only pay for features you will use.

Who should skip what

• Skip the Steelcase Leap Office Chair if you want a mesh back for hot rooms or have a tight budget
• Skip the Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair if you are very tall or heavy; the Leap fits a wider range of bodies
• Skip the Herman Miller Aeron Chair if you want a cushioned seat or can’t try sizes; the mesh edge and fixed seat depth don’t suit everyone
• Skip the SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair if you sit all day; cheaper foam and mechanisms wear out much faster than premium chairs

Buying tips

Office chairs from Steelcase and Herman Miller rarely see deep discounts, but Prime Day, Black Friday and the May bank holiday sales sometimes knock off 15 to 25 percent. Some UK employers contribute to home-office chairs. Check the return policy carefully, since shipping a chair back can cost money.

Our picks

See all our best office chairs in the uk for more options.